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Published Date: 2024-08-21
Publication:2019.12
Principal Investigator:江文基Jiang, Wun-Ji
Researchers:李淳Lee, Roy Chun、羅時芳Lo, Shih-Fang、王文娟、王煜翔Wang, Yu-Shung、李宜靜Li, Yi-Ching、許裕佳Hsu, Yu-Chia、廖倍妤
Abstract: This study aims to explore the
feasibility of three different emerging technologies (including blockchain,
artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things) in improving bottlenecks
within international trade supply chains. In addition, in response to the needs
of Taiwan's policies, this study particularly emphasizes the research on
blockchain. Apart from addressing the feasibility of improving supply chain
bottlenecks, the study also investigates its potential applications in other
trade sectors and its implications for the participation of micro, small, and
medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in international trade and the promotion of
focus areas in the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap. The research
methodology primarily involves literature review (including secondary data
collection), field interviews, and hosting seminars. The key points of the
research are summarized as follows:
Blockchain and Cross-Border Trade (Chapters
Three, Four, and Five):
l Blockchain shows feasibility in improving
supply chain bottleneck points such as "lack of coordinated border
management and underdeveloped border clearance procedures" and
"unreliable and costly logistics services." Relevant examples include
the Global Trade Connectivity Network (GTCN), Cross Border Blockchain Platform
(CBBP), and IBM TradeLens blockchain.
l Besides improving supply chain bottlenecks,
blockchain can also be applied in international trade sectors such as finance,
insurance, e-commerce, intellectual property rights, and government
procurement.
l Blockchain can facilitate MSME
participation in international trade through solving trade financing
difficulties, striving for fairer sales prices, enhancing MSME export
capabilities, and improving bidding process efficiency.
l Blockchain is related to the goals of five
focus areas in the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap, which include (1)
promotion of interoperability; (2) promoting coherence and cooperation of
egulatory approaches affecting the internet and digital economy; (3) promoting
innovation and adoption of enabling technologies and services; (4) facilitating
the free flow of information and data for the development of the internet and
digital economy, while respecting applicable domestic laws and regulations; (5)
enhancing inclusiveness of internet and digital economy.
Based on the research conclusions, brief
policy recommendations for Taiwan’s government regarding blockchain and
cross-border trade are outlined as follows:
l Propose initiatives in international forums
(such as APEC) to promote G2G cross-border trade blockchain to reduce potential
trade costs during customs clearance.
l Assist MSMEs in applying blockchain to
participate in international trade.
l Evaluate the feasibility of introducing
blockchain technology into government-regulated trade information exchange
areas through pilot projects.
Artificial Intelligence and Cross-Border
Trade (Chapter Six):
l Artificial intelligence shows feasibility
in improving supply chain bottleneck points such as "lack of coordinated
border management and underdeveloped border clearance and procedures,"
"inadequate quality and lack of access to transportation infrastructure
and services," and "unreliable logistics services and high logistical
costs".
Policy recommendations for artificial
intelligence and cross-border trade are briefly outlined as follows:
l Emerging trade rules regarding cross-border
data flow and applications should be closely monitored by the government for
reference from trade policies set by key players such as the United States and
the European Union.
l Assess the feasibility of incorporating AI
technology into Taiwan’s trade monitoring system to promptly detect abnormal
trade situations through data analysis and thus take corresponding measures.
Internet of Things and Cross-Border Trade
(Chapter Seven):
l The Internet of Things shows feasibility in
improving supply chain bottleneck points such as " lack of coordinated
border management and underdeveloped border clearance and procedures,"
" inadequate quality and lack of access to transportation infrastructure
and services," and "unreliable logistics services and high logistical
costs".
Policy recommendations for the Internet of
Things and cross-border trade are briefly outlined as follows:
l The government can encourage enterprises to
utilize (Radio-frequency identification, RFID) to enhance trade efficiency,
promote supply chain information integration, and push for regional cooperation
mechanisms to promote IoT.
Finally, recognizing that the impact of
emerging technologies on international trade will continue to evolve, this
study suggests that the government should keep track of international
organizations' discussions on issues related to the promotion of cross-border
trade through emerging technologies. This will enable timely adjustments to
domestic economic and trade policy directions, thereby transforming the
potential of emerging technologies into new drivers of domestic economic
growth.